EU POLICIES AND PROJECTS

Learning outcomes of the course unit

a. Knowledge and understanding:
The course aims to provide students with the main keys to interpretation and management of policies that the European Union develops to promote rural development, agriculture and agribusiness.
b. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding (applying knowledge and understanding):
Students will understand the main developments in the field of economy of rural development and above all: To evaluate current trends through the analysis of statistical data from Eurostat and develop a design from the policies of territorial development through the promotion of local products.
c. Making judgments =:
Students will be able to assess independently the implications of the policy of rural development with respect to the evolution of agri-food market, the needs of consumers and local stakeholders
d. Communication skills:
Students will be able to relate with the main stakeholders in charge of rural development policies: associations of the agricultural world of food chains and consumers
e. learning skills
The method of study provided include moments of lectures, group work, individual analysis, discussion of the topics covered in class.

Course contents summary

The course aims to provide the cognitive tools, interpretation and application skills related of the common agricultural policy. The course starting from the analysis of the institutional context, analyze the main agricultural policies that have characterized the history of Europe affecting agricultural markets and rural development policies. One issue addressed by the course will also be an analysis of the impact of agricultural policies on agricultural sector. This phase will be developed through the use of quantitative approaches and exercises.

Course contents

The topics offer the following interpretations:
1. European rural environment analysis according to OECD methodology;
2. role and tasks of the European and supranational institutions;
3. the Common Agricultural Policy: market intervention and rural development policies;
4. cohesion policies;
5. structural funds and reforms;
6. the European food supply chain;
7. multifunctionality in theory and in practice;
8. quality policies for local foods and local development;
9. the evaluation of agricultural and agri-food policies: theory and practice

Recommended readings

Teaching methods

Acquisition of knowledge: lectures, seminars and study visits
Acquisition of the ability to apply knowledge: exercises and group work
Acquisition of judgment: During the course students will be encouraged to develop a capacity for critical analysis and evaluation of the courses offered.
Acquisition of learning skills: for each topic you will start from the illustration of the theoretical aspects and analyze the objective situations related to the socio-economic reality.
Acquisition of technical language: while teaching you will learn the meaning of the terms commonly used by stakeholder involved in rural development activities

Assessment methods and criteria

The methods of learning will be assessed through:
- Evaluation of a work group
- Oral examination
The group work will be assessed a total of 5 points
The knowledge will be assessed with 3 open-ended questions that will be assessed up to 7 points each
The autonomy of judgment and the ability to learn will be assessed with 1 open-ended questions that will be assessed up to 4 points each